Maya Yoshida

Maya Yoshida (吉田 麻也, Yoshida Maya; born 24 August 1988) is a Japanese professional footballer who captains and plays as a centre-back for Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.

Yoshida formerly played for the Japan national team, making over 120 appearances. He was a member of the side's squads for the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018 and 2022, and the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, 2015 and 2019, winning the latter tournament in 2011 and finishing as runner-up in 2019. He was additionally part of Japan's Olympic football team at the 2008, 2012 and 2020 games.

Born in Nagasaki, Japan, Yoshida began playing football at Nanling FC in his second year at elementary school. His older brother, Honami, played an important role in starting his football career when he searched on the internet for Nagoya Grampus's U-15 team and this led Yoshida to join the U-15 team. Once Yoshida joined, he relocated to Nagoya to be close at Nagoya Grampus and attended Toyota High School.

After spending five years at Nagoya Grampus Youth Academy, he was promoted to the first team in the 2007 season, having signed his first professional contract. Yoshida joined the club's first team training soon after and started out as a defensive midfielder while playing for Nagoya Grampus's youth team, but was converted to centre back. After spending months on the substitute bench, Yoshida finally made his debut for the club, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 2–1 loss against Oita Trinita on 3 May 2007. Since then, he became a first team regular for Nagoya Grampus, playing in the centre–back position. On 5 November 2007, Yoshida scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–1 win against Thespa Kusatsu in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup. At the end of the 2007 season, he went on to make twenty–four appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

In the 2008 season, Yoshida began to feature in the starting line-up for most of the league matches, forming a centre–back partnership with his Serbian teammate Miloš Bajalica. He started the season well when he helped Nagoya Grampus go on an unbeaten run of seven matches in all competitions. Yoshida continued to feature in the first team until he was called up to the Japan U23 squad in July. After Japan U23's elimination in the Summer Olympics, it was not until 23 August 2008 that Yoshida returned to the starting line-up against Kashima Antlers and scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–1 win. However, he lost his first team place and found himself placed on the substitute bench for the next five matches. Yoshida's second goal then came on 2 November 2008 against FC Gifu in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup and helped them win 1–0. By mid–October, he regained his first team place for the remaining matches of the season and helped the club finish third place in the league. For his performance, Yoshida won the Rookie of the Year at the 14th Aichi Toyota "Grand Pass Rankle Award". At the end of the 2008 season, he went on to make twenty–nine appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

At the start of the 2009 season, Yoshida switched number shirt to four. He scored Nagoya Grampus's historical first goal in the AFC Champions League in the game against Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i, winning 3–1 on 10 March 2009. Yoshida continued to regain his first team place for the club, playing in the centre–back position. His second goal of the season came on 26 April 2009, scoring an equaliser goal, in a 2–1 win against Yokohama F. Marinos. However by early–July, he suffered a calf injury that saw him out for two weeks. Yoshida made his first team return for Nagoya Grampus on 18 July 2009, starting the match, in a 1–1 draw against Kyoto Sanga. He scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–1 win against FC Tokyo eleven days later on 29 July 2009, but the club was eliminated in the J.League Cup following a 6–3 on aggregate. Since returning to the first team from injury, Yoshida regained his first team place for the club's remaining matches of the 2009 season. He later added two more goals throughout September, scoring against Kashiwa Reysol and Kawasaki Frontale. The following month, Yoshida scored two more goals for Nagoya Grampus, coming against FC Tokyo and Yokohama F. Marinos. He scored his eighth goal of the season, in a 3–1 win against Júbilo Iwata in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup. Yoshida later helped the club to reach the Emperor's Cup final after beating Shimizu S-Pulse 5–4 on penalty shoot–out following a 1–1 draw throughout 120 minutes. However, he started in the Emperor's Cup Final against Gamba Osaka, as Nagoya Grampus loss 4–1 in what turned out to be his last appearance for the club. At the end of the 2009 season, Yoshida went on to make forty–eight appearances and scoring eight times in all competitions.

In December 2009, it was announced that Yoshida had transferred to Dutch club VVV-Venlo, signing a three–year contract. He had desired to play for a club in Europe since he was young. Keisuke Honda, who was his teammate at Nagoya Grampus, introduced his agent, Tetsuro Kiyooka to support his future vision. Indeed, Yoshida followed the footsteps of Keisuke Honda who also played for VVV-Venlo before he joined them. However, Yoshida's start to VVV-Venlo career suffered a setback when he fractured his foot and left him out for the rest of the 2009–10 season.

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Yoshida continued to recover from his fractured foot. On 30 October 2010, he made his VVV-Venlo debut, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute, and set up the club's third goal of the game, in a 5–3 loss against FC Groningen. Since making his debut for VVV-Venlo, Yoshida quickly became a first team regular for the club. After spending January with Japan in the Asian Cup and winning the tournament, he made his first team return, starting the match, in a 3–0 win against NAC Breda on 5 February 2011. Yoshida later regained his first team place for the remaining matches of the season, as VVV-Venlo qualified for the relegation play–offs. He started all the four matches in the relegation play–offs and helped the club retain their Eredivisie league status. At the end of the 2010–11 season, Yoshida went on to make twenty–four appearances in all competitions.

At the start of the 2011–12 season, Yoshida continued to retain his first team place for VVV-Venlo, playing in the centre–back position. He scored a bicycle kick goal for VVV-Venlo off a corner kick on 11 September 2011 against PSV Eindhoven, as the match ended in a 3–3 draw. This goal was awarded as "Goal of the Season 2011–2012" of the Eredivisie. The Yoshida scored his second goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against RKC Waalwijk on 22 October 2011. On 18 February 2012, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against De Graafschap. Yoshida's fourth goal of the season came on 3 March 2012, in a 2–1 win against NAC Breda. He scored his fifth goal of the season against Roda JC, but was sent off in the 73rd minute for an unprofessional foul, in a 3–1 loss. After serving a two match suspension, Yoshida returned to the starting line-up, starting the match, in a 2–0 loss against PSV Eindhoven on 31 March 2012. He later started all the four matches in the relegation play–offs and helped the club retain their Eredivisie league status once again. Yoshida's experience in the relegation play–offs led him to write a blog about the subject. At the end of the 2011–12 season, Yoshida went on to make thirty–seven appearances and scoring five times in all competitions as a central defender.

In the 2012–13 season, Yoshida made two appearances for VVV-Venlo, including making his last appearance against ADO Den Haag on 25 August 2012, in which he set up the club's first goal of the game, losing 4–2.

On 30 August 2012, Yoshida agreed to join newly–promoted Premier League side Southampton on a three-year contract for a fee thought to be in the region of £3 million and was joined by his teammate, Tadanari Lee. Upon joining the club, he told the Southern Daily Echo that the move to England would help him grow as a player.

Yoshida made his debut for the Saints on 15 September 2012, against Arsenal in a 6–1 defeat, coming on as a 28th-minute substitute for Jos Hooiveld. He then made his home debut a week later on 22 September 2012 in a 4–1 win over Aston Villa, playing the whole 90 minutes. Since joining the club, Yoshida quickly became a first team regular, playing in the centre–back position and forming a partnership with José Fonte. During a 1–1 draw against Swansea City on 10 November 2012, Yoshida made a poor control to the ball that led to Nathan Dyer scoring an equaliser. Despite, he continued to retain his first team place against Queens Park Rangers and helped them win 3–1 on 15 November 2012. Along the way, he was rotated to playing in the left–back and right–back positions. Since making his debut for Southampton, Yoshida started in every match for the Saints and helped improve the results on both the club and the player, himself. Having started the 2012–13 season at the bottom of the table, results improved and he helped Southampton avoid relegation by finishing fourteenth place. In his first season at Southampton, he went on to make thirty–four appearances in all competitions.

However at the start of the 2013–14 season, Yoshida's first team opportunities became limited under the management of Mauricio Pochettino and he found himself on the substitute bench. Despite this, he made his first appearance of the season, in a 5–1 win against Barnsley on 27 August 2013. Yoshida then scored his first goal for Southampton in a 2–1 defeat to Sunderland in the League Cup on 6 November 2013. A month later on 4 December 2013, he made his first Premier League appearance, starting the match, in a 3–2 loss against Aston Villa. At the start of January, Yoshida had a first team run in following an injury to Dejan Lovren, starting the next six matches as the results improved. He scored his first Premier League goal in a 3–1 defeat at West Ham United on 22 February 2014 after a Steven Davis free kick. But following Lovren's return, he was once again behind the pecking order in the centre–back competitions, as well as, his own injury concerns. At the end of the 2013–14 season, Yoshida went on to make fourteen appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

At the start of the 2014–15 season, Yoshida regained his first team place, playing in the centre–back position, following Lovren's departure. However, during a 1–0 win against Swansea City on 20 September 2014, he suffered ankle injury and was substituted in the second half, resulting in him out for four weeks. Although Yoshida returned from injury, he was placed on the substitute bench until on 30 November 2014 against Manchester City, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 3–0 loss. His next goal came on 20 December 2014, in a 3–0 victory over Everton, with Steven Davis again providing the assist. Two weeks later on 8 January 2015, Southampton announced that Yoshida and the club had agreed terms to an extension of his contract until 2018. After spending January with Japan's campaign at the AFC Asian Cup, he returned to the starting line-up and played the whole game, in a 1–0 loss against Swansea City on 1 February 2015. In a follow–up match against Queens Park Rangers, Yoshida played an important role in the game when he set up the only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win. Towards the end of the season, he found himself in and out of the starting line-up in the first team and demoted on the substitute bench. Despite this, Yoshida helped the club finish seventh place in the league, resulting in their qualifying for the UEFA Europa League next season. At the end of the 2014–15 season, he went on to make twenty–three appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

At the start of the 2015–16 season, Yoshida started the season well when he helped a clean sheet in both legs by beating Vitesse 5–0 on aggregate in the third round of the UEFA Europa League. However, Yoshida was unable to help Southampton reach the group stage of the tournament after losing 2–1 on aggregate against Midtjylland. Despite this, Yoshida helped the club keep three consecutive clean sheets between 23 August 2015 and 23 September 2015. Having started playing in the centre–back position, he played in the right–back position, due to increase competitions among the centre–backs. During a match against Manchester United on 21 September 2015, Yoshida was at fault when his back pass backfired, allowing Anthony Martial to score, as Southampton loss 3–2. Following this, Yoshida mostly appeared for the club from the substitute bench, due to strong competitions in the defence. On 28 October 2015, he scored his first goal of the 2015–16 season with a 20-yard strike against Aston Villa in the League Cup. Yoshida's second goal of the season came on 6 February 2016 in a 1–0 victory at St. Mary's over West Ham United. The club later finished sixth place in the league, resulting their qualification of the UEFA Europa League once again next season. At the end of the 2015–16 season, he went on to make twenty–seven appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

On 31 January 2020, Yoshida joined Serie A side Sampdoria on loan until the end of the season. Local newspaper the Southern Daily Echo described Yoshida's departure as the "end of an era".

Having appeared on the substitute bench for two matches, Yoshida made his Sampdoria debut against Hellas Verona on 8 March 2020 and played the whole game, as the club won 2–1. Following his debut for Sampdoria, he quickly became a fan favourite among the club's supporters. However, this turns out to be his only appearance for Sampdoria, as the season was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He remained an integral part of the club once the season resumed behind closed doors. In a match against Udinese on 12 July 2020, Yoshida set up a goal for former Southampton teammate Manolo Gabbiadini to help Sampdoria secure a 3–1 win. By the end of the 2019–20 season, Yoshida made fourteen appearances in all competitions.

After two months of negotiations over a permanent move, Yoshida returned to Sampdoria, signing a one–year contract with the club and took a pay cut upon doing so. His first game after signing for Sampdoria on a permanent basis came in the opening game of the season against Juventus, coming on as a second half substititute, in a 3–0 loss. Since joining the club, he found himself facing competitions in the centre–back positions with Omar Colley and Lorenzo Tonelli. Despite this, Yoshida continued to remain in the starting line–up, forming a centre–back partnership with either Colley or Tonelli. Halfway through the 2020–21 season, Yoshida played in the right–back position three times between 23 December 2020 and 6 January 2021, due to the absence of Bartosz Bereszyński. Following the return of Bereszyński, he returned to playing in the centre–back position for the rest of the 2020–21 season. On 19 January 2021, Yoshida signed a two–year contract with the club, keeping him until 2022. He scored his first goal for the Blucerchiati on 24 January 2021 against Parma. Despite suffering injury setbacks on two occasions throughout the 2020–21 season, Yoshida made thirty–four appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

At the start of the 2021–22 season, Yoshida continued to retain his first team place, forming a forming a centre–back partnership with Colley. He scored his first goal of the season, scoring a first half equaliser, as Sampdoria eventually drew 2–2 against Inter Milan on 12 September 2021. Two weeks later on 26 September 2021, Yoshida scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 loss against Juventus. However, he suffered a knee injury that saw him out for one match. But Yoshida made his return from injury, coming on as a 35th-minute substitute, in a 3–1 win against Hellas Verona on 27 November 2021. In a match against Cagliari Calcio on 6 January 2022, he set up the opening goal for Gabbiadini but suffered a thigh injury that resulted in his substitution, as the club loss 2–1. After the match, Yoshida was out for a month with a thigh injury. On 28 February 2022, he returned from injury, coming on as a second half substitute, in a 4–0 against Atalanta. Following his return from injury, Yoshida struggled to regain his place in the first team, with Colley and Alex Ferrari preferred for the rest of the 2021–22 season, During a 2–0 loss against Bologna on 11 April 2022, he was at fault, leading the opposition team to score the second goal of the game. At the end of the 2021–22 season, Yoshida made twenty–six appearances and scoring two times in all competitions. On 13 June 2022, he hinted of his departure from Sampdoria in the Japan's press conference over uncertainties of his future at the club. His departure from Sampdoria was confirmed on 30 June 2022.

On 5 July 2022, Yoshida joined German side Schalke 04 on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract with the Bundesliga club, with an option for another year. In the process, he became the third Japanese defender to ever play for Schalke, following Atsuto Uchida and Ko Itakura. The transfer was first reported via Twitter by Fabrizio Romano a few hours before the official announcement, with the Italian sports journalist adding that Yoshida had previously turned down several other offers, including one from Trabzonspor: the centre-back himself eventually expressed his surprise towards the accuracy of Romano's report in a quote retweet, writing, "This guy is incredible… even my wife didn't know about Trabzonspor". Upon joining the club, he was given a number twenty–two shirt, the shirt worn by Uchida, and consulted about the move with him, who asked him to choose the number.

Yoshida made his Schalke 04 debut as captain against Bremer SV in the first round of the DFB–Pokal and helped the club keep a clean sheet, in a 0–0 draw. Since joining Schalke 04, he became the club's first choice centre–back, forming a partnership with Henning Matriciani and later Moritz Jenz. However due to Schalke 04's poor performance, Yoshida's own performance came under criticism for his lack of speed in defence. Despite this, his poor performance has no effect on his Samurai Blue for the World Cup in Qatar. After the World Cup in Qatar, he led the club as captain to go on an unbeaten run of eight matches, which saw Schalke 04 improve on their results. Yoshida helped the club keep four clean sheets between 29 January 2023 and 19 February 2023. This proved an improvement performance for him, as he was threatened of facing demotion to the substitution bench. Towards the end of the 2022–23 season, Yoshida played two times for Schalke 04, as he was absent five times out of the seven remaining matches, due to injuries and competitions.

Yoshida featured in 29 league games for Schalke 04, as the Gelsenkirchen-based team finished second-to-bottom of the table and got relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. He left the club at the end of the season, following the expiration of his contract.

On 3 August 2023, Yoshida joined Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy on a free transfer, signing a contract through the end of the 2024 season.

He made his debut for the club, starting the match and kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win against Chicago Fire on 26 August 2023. Since joining LA Galaxy, Yoshida became a first team regular, forming a centre–back partnership with Eriq Zavaleta and Chris Mavinga. He scored his first goal for the club, scoring a second half equaliser, in a 4–2 loss against rivals, Los Angeles FC on 16 September 2023. In the absence of original captain Javier Hernández, Yoshida captained LA Galaxy for the first time and led the club to a 3–3 draw against Portland Timbers on 30 September 2023. Having started all the remaining LA Galaxy's matches since joining the club, he made twelve appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2024 season, it was announced that Yoshida was named as LA Galaxy's new captain following the departure of Hernández. He scored his first goal of the season, scoring a last minute equalier to help the club earn a 3–3 draw against St. Louis City SC on 17 March 2024. A month later on 22 April 2024, Yoshida scored his second goal of the season, in a 4–3 win against San Jose Earthquakes. Yoshida was crowned MLS champion after defeating the New York Red Bulls in MLS Cup 2024.

Yoshida was first called up to Japan's U-23 team in April 2008 for the first time following good performance at Nagoya Grampus. A month later on 22 May 2008, he made his Japan U23 debut in the Toulon Tournament and started the whole game, in a 2–1 win against France. Yoshida went on to make two appearances in the tournament, as Japan U-23 finished fourth place after reaching the semi–finals.

It was announced on 14 July 2008 that Yoshida was called up to the Japan U-23 team for the 2008 Summer Olympic in Beijing. After appearing twice as an unused substitute, he made his debut in the tournament, starting the match, in a 1–0 loss against Netherlands on 13 August 2008 and the Samurai Blue was eliminated from the tournament.

Four years later, Yoshida was called up to the Japan U-23 team for the second time ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Ahead of the tournament, he was named as captain by Manager Takashi Sekizuka. Yoshida's first match as captain came on 26 July 2012 against Spain and helped the Samurai Blue keep a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win. In the next two matches, he helped the Japan U-23 team keep two more clean sheets against Morocco U23 and Honduras U23 with a win and draw respectively, resulting in Japan U23 qualifying for the knockout stage. Yoshida scored his first goal of the tournament, scoring a header from Hiroshi Kiyotake's free kick, in a 3–0 against Egypt U23 in the quarter–finals. However, he continued to lead Japan U23 finished fourth place in the Olympics after losing to Mexico U23 and South Korea U23. After the match, Yoshida said: "I can appreciate that the team whose initial expectation was not so high has advanced to the top four for the first time in 44 years. I do not think why I could not go on it or got a medal The Olympics are a gathering of young athletes called the U-23, and it is important that as many athletes go into the national team as A and stand on the World Cup stage."

In June 2021, Yoshida was named in the squad for his third Olympic tournament, this time on home soil, as one of three available over-age players. It was also announced that he would be the captain for the tournament. Prior to the start of the Olympics, Yoshida was featured in three out of the four friendly matches for the Samurai Blue. During which, he said about the Olympics event without spectators, saying: "I'm sorry for the non-audience. A lot of customers came to see us today, and the supporters' cheers helped us during the last 5 minutes and 10 minutes. It's a difficult situation. Now it's a difficult situation no matter which one you comment on." Yoshida soon clarified his statement, saying it was his "personal idea". He helped Japan win all three matches in the group stage to advance to the knockout stage. In the quarter–final against New Zealand, Yoshida captained the whole game throughout 120 minutes with a goalless result and successfully converted the winning kick in the penalty shootout, as the Samurai Blue won 4–2 to reach the semi–finals. However, Japan lost the next two matches in the semi–finals and bronze medal match against Spain and Mexico respectively. Despite failing to win a medal as he hoped for, Yoshida reflected about being captain for Japan in the Olympics, saying: "I had a lot of fun. I thought I could give everyone something, but young players could absorb a lot of things. I think I was able to grow as a player. Let's be proud and go home. I want to be proud and go home. This is not the end. Still, my soccer life will continue."

In December 2009, Yoshida was called up to the senior national team for the first time. He made his full international debut for Japan on 6 January 2010 in a 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen. Yoshida later reflected on his debut, saying: "Of course Yemen war of 2010 (3-2) because it was all the way to the target, I was happy." After fracturing his fingers, Yoshida stated that he was determined to recovery from his injury and hope to get called up for the 2010 World Cup squad. However, Yoshida did not make the cut.

In December 2010, Yoshida was called up to the Japan's squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Under the management of Alberto Zaccheroni, it's emerged that he is expecting to start in the centre–back position ahead of the tournament. Yoshida scored his first Japan goal, in a 1–1 draw against Jordan on 9 January 2011. Yoshida started two more matches in the group-stage, as Japan progressed through the knockout stage. However, Yoshida was sent–off for a second bookable offence, in a 3–2 win against Qatar in the quarter–finals of the AFC Asian Cup. After serving a one match suspension, Yoshida returned to the starting line-ups in the AFC Asian Cup Final against Australia and played 120 minutes, as they beat the Socceroos 1–0 to win the AFC Asian Cup, thanks to Tadanari Lee. Between 7 June 2011 and 2 September 2011, Yoshida kept three consecutive three cleans; including once against North Korea, which he scored the only goal of the game. Yoshida kept an additional three more clean sheets between 7 October 2011 and 11 November 2011.

Following the Olympics, Yoshida continued to help Japan by keeping three consecutive clean sheets between 6 September 2012 and 12 October 2012 against UAE, Iraq and France. He later helped Japan qualify for the World Cup after drawing 1–1 against Australia on 4 June 2013. Two days later, Yoshida was called up to the Samurai Blue for the 2013 Confederations Cup squad. He was featured three times in the tournament, as Japan loss all three matches and was eliminated in the group stage.

In May 2014, Yoshida was named in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In the end, he made it to the final cut for the 23-man squad. Yoshida started all three matches despite facing competitions from the centre–back and subsequently, Japan was eliminated from the tournament in the group stage, without winning any matches. Despite this, he kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw against Greece on 20 June 2014. Later in 2014, Yoshida scored his first Japan's goal in three years, as the Samurai Blue beat Honduras 6–0 on 14 November 2014.

In December 2014, Yoshida was selected as a member of the Japanese team for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. He played Japan's opener match against debutant Palestine and scored the final goal in a 4–0 win. Yoshida helped Japan keep two more clean sheets to advance through to the quarter–finals. However, he conceded a goal from Ali Mabkhout before Japan equalised and the match was played throughout 120 minutes; ultimately, they were eliminated after losing in penalty–shootout. After the match, Yoshida acknowledged his fault for conceding a goal from the opposition team.

Yoshida has two brothers: Mirei and Honami He later credited his older brother, Honami, for playing an important role in his football career. Before he was born, his name "Maya" was originally planned for a girl when his mother was pregnant. But the name was kept even if it was a boy who was born. Yoshida revealed on his blog on 26 September 2012 that he was married. Four years later, Yoshida revealed he was a first time father when his wife gave birth to a baby daughter. During his time at Southampton, Yoshida resided in Winchester. After spending seven years at Southampton, Yoshida revealed in an interview with SunSport that he had become a permanent resident in the United Kingdom and feels 25 per cent English.

His family runs a boarding house in Nagasaki for children who cannot go to high school. Growing up, Yoshida revealed that he is a fan of the anime and manga series Dragon Ball Z, and had an entire collection of Dragon Ball Z memorabilia until his father donated them to charity. Yoshida reflected on this, saying it helped him to think generously and give back to society. In November 2007, Yoshida affiliated himself with FIFA Players' Agent Tetsuro Kiyooka, in hopes of moving to Europe. It worked when he joined VVV-Venlo, three years after becoming Kiyooka's client. Since moving to Europe, Yoshida created a personal blog, where he reflected about his experience living and playing in a different continent. On every anniversary of the Atomic bombings, Yoshida, who is from Nagasaki, spoke out about his thoughts of the event.

AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament: 2019

IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year: 2020, 2022

IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Decade: 2020